8:20PM: Ward has been moved to the 60-day IL to create some roster space for the Angels’ acquisitions of Randal Grichuk and C.J. Cron from the Rockies. The move to the 60-day IL puts Ward out of action until late September at the earliest, and likely means that he isn’t expected to return this season.
9:30AM: The Angels announced this morning that outfielder Taylor Ward has been placed on the 10-day injured list with facial fractures. In a corresponding move, the club selected the contract of infielder Kevin Padlo. Padlo will take the 40-man roster spot vacated by left-hander Tucker Davidson, who was designated for assignment earlier in the week.
Ward’s injury stems from a scary moment during the club’s loss against the Blue Jays last night. As noted by MLB.com’s Rhett Bollinger, Ward was struck in the face by a sinker from right-hander Alek Manoah. The 29 year old had to be carted off the field after the incident and was evaluated at a local hospital. Per The Athletic’s Sam Blum, Ward has since been released from the hospital but will not travel with the team to Atlanta for the series against the Braves, which begins tomorrow.
In 409 trips to the plate this season, Ward has posted a solid .253/.335/.421 slash line, 8% better than league average by measure of wRC+. While that slash line is a departure from the 137 wRC+ Ward offered last year, he’s caught fire in July, slashing a whopping .304/.424/.623 in his last 85 plate appearances. The loss of Ward for what figures to be an extended period is a crushing blow to an Angels club that is already dealing with injuries to Mike Trout, Logan O’Hoppe, Gio Urshela, Anthony Rendon, Brandon Drury, Max Stassi, and Jo Adell among its position player corps.
With Ward on the shelf, the club figures to rely on an outfield of Mickey Moniak, Hunter Renfroe, and Trey Cabbage for the time being. Between the club’s significant injury woes on the position player side of things and their recent blockbuster deal to acquire right-handers Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez from the White Sox, it seems reasonable to expect the Angels to investigate additions to the club’s offense. They’ve already discussed a Jeimer Candelario deal with the Nationals, and it’s possible that Ward’s injury could push them to explore the outfield market as well. Tommy Pham, Mark Canha, and Adam Duvall are among the outfielders who could potentially be on the move ahead of the trade deadline on August 1.
Ward’s trip to the IL makes room on the active roster for Padlo, a 27-year-old journeyman who has played for five teams in the majors since making his big league debut in 2021. Padlo briefly came up to the big league club earlier this season, slashing .125/.125/.250 in just eight plate appearances before being designated for assignment to make room for veteran infielder Mike Moustakas after he was dealt from the Rockies to the Angels. Aside from that short stint in the majors, Padlo has spent this season primarily with Anaheim’s Triple-A affiliate in Salt Lake City, where he’s slashed a solid .257/.385/.464 in 51 games. Padlo, who has experience at first base, second base, third base, and left field, figures to provide a bat-first utility option to the Angels for the corner spots, complementing the glove-first work of Andrew Velazquez up the middle.
The Angels just cannot catch any breaks health-wise.
Unfortunately the team’s owner can’t go on the 60 day DL
This team is cursed, something Arte did. It started the day Adenhart left the stadium after pitching and it has been absolutely relentless. The fact the late Ought Angels didn’t make a WS is as crazy as these injuries.
If that team is cursed, it doesn’t need Manoah as a vessle. Guy has been broken all year and this is continued proof of his lack of control, among other things.
The team has a history of being cursed. There have been so many articles about it since the 60s. It’s an interesting read if you can find them.
If the Angels are cursed, it certainly began years before Arte bought the team. Look into their history of “bad luck” incidents.
Non Angel fans don’t realize how bad it is. The first game of season: 03/30/23. Look at the starting lineup. Of the 9 batters, only 3 are still active. 3.
Shohei at DH. Rengifo at 2B. Renfroe in RF.
All others are on the IL or no longer on the team (in the case of PR Bret Phillips).
Something something caught this break
Better hope for the rest of the league’s sake Manoah figures out how to throw strikes again. This doesn’t need to happen again.
It’s not like he’s that wild. He’s certainly not trying to hit people
He’s not a dangerous pitcher, he does hit alot of people. Usually below the belt
Ohtani got hit on the foot.
He led all MLB pitchers in hit batters the last two years
And that was when he had top shelf FB command. It was so bad this year that they wouldnt risk him against any live batting for a while. Before hitting Ward he wasnt close to the strike zone. The Jays need to seriously consider another break.
He hit another person in the helmet last year I can’t remember who I think he was on Oakland
He’s just about matched his season walk total from last season in 41% of the innings. If that is not wild I am unsure as to what is.
With a FIP approaching 5.00 since his return from the minors, I’d say he is dangerous to the Blue Jays and their fans.
There’s no reason to consistently defend him. He’s a known a**, and now he sucks.
I’m not defending his struggles. I’m saying that it’s ridiculous to suggest that he was headhunters, especially given the situation.
… He had 3 walks and 2 hit batters in just 4.1 innings in this game alone. On top of being the league leaders in HBP the last two years. He’s *very* wild.
Manoah has hit 39 batters in 68 career appearances. He’s hit almost as many hitters as he’s allowed Home Runs (41). Any pitcher is “dangerous” without control, whether or not he’s trying to hit any one is irrelevant
Rsox I agree. If he can’t pitch inside without hitting someone, he needs to figure it out or stop pitching.
It would be a lot more forgivable had Chapmen kept his mouth shut. The entire team is on the IL and Chapman has to be a jerk.
And then the Rays put Ward on the IL.
One almost has to wonder if on some level he isn’t doing it intentionally and with a degree of malice. It’s certainly worth investigating.
Nottingham, I’d say he’s not going after guys this seaosn. The guy just lost what control he had and hasn’t gotten it back, with Ward’s face being the main evidence.
Also worth noting that he hit Othani, a left handed hitter too. Not good to miss that badly on arm and glove side, makes you wonder if he’s got some yips or something from the pressure that was put upon him by both performance and punk hood.
Especially since he had the most RBI’s since the all star break, angels need to add a bat it’s pretty much only ohtani, and moniak for the offense
As a Phillies fan I really miss Moniak, he a good dude and I’m happy he was able to go home and play.
Cursed franchise.
It’s the rally monkeys and thunder sticks.
The rally monkeys and thunder sticks seemed to be a good luck charm in ‘02.
Bring up Daniel Murphy!
Forgot they signed Murphy, he might be better than cabbage
Speedy recovery, scary watching someone take 95 to the face.
Was at game yesterday. Sounded really bad when it hit Ward,, I think Manoah was removed right after but he really needs to get his control back to that point where this doesn’t happen..
This is an unfortunate part of the game for pitchers with or with out control.
Hope it’s a quick recovery
Not exactly. When a pitcher that already hits the most batters in the league ALSO triples his walk rates, it’s an extraordinary situation. A pitcher like Manoah that needs to use the inside order is fine. If his command is normal. It isn’t. Pennant race or no pennant race, Manoah needs to be put on the restricted list by the Jays.
He’s not leading the league in hit batters first off, maybe you mean 2022, maybe look at per innings pitched vs overall because it’s meaningless other wise.
A lot of his walks this year are not directly tied to his fastball command but more so his at times uncompetitive slider, so again not relevant.
The idea that this was bound to happen or/and that Manoah should be disciplined/punished is the opinion of someone who has never played baseball. Get a grip man
well said. I totally agree.
He needs some sticky some to get his grip poster above, and Manoah
I think someone else needs to get a grip. He in fact lead the league in HBPs in 2021 and 2022. Your argument about checking IP is a self own because his HBP/innings is up over 2021-22. I merely argued that a period on the restricted list to work it out seemed prudent. That’s not punishment or discipline. Unless the Jays were punishing him in June when he was on the restricted list.
WHAT ??
The unfortunate part is the loss of a player to a team and the impact on an injured player’s life and career due to being struck by a pitched ball.
MEANWHILE
What are the consequences to the pitcher who threw the pitch = NOTHING!
What are the consequences to the team the pitcher plays for = NOTHING!
I was watching that game. I’ve never seen a ball break so late right toward the face. There’s no way Ward could have gotten out of the way. Scary to watch
I don’t think that ball actually broke. I think it went to the right and kept going straight.
Either way, it sucks for Ward. I’ve taken lacrosse balls off a mask before, and that will ring your bell as it is. And I’m sure it was nothing compared to taking a fastball to the face.
Terrible what happened to Ward. But the idea of this team adding at the deadline is so preposterous. Just accept it. You are not contenders. Not even close. Should have sold off Ohtani. Now they will just watch him walk for nothing in return.
Can still Trade him.
Who says he’s going to leave, skip bayless, mad dog, and Stephen a smith
Too bad. Ward was one of the most underrated players on the team. .868 OPS over the past two months.
Losing these two games really hurt the angles.
Do they decide to trade Ohtani at the last minute if they lose again today.
Manoha is the real victim here. It may take him some time to mentally recover. The other dude will be fine by Monday
Let’s throw 95 @ your face and see if you feel good on Monday too
I have a machine in the back yard set to 99. I take one to the face every morning for breakfast.
I’ll bet you do
Explains your mental capacity
“Triple digit cheese? I eat those for breakfast in the morning. And sliders at lunch! Can’t forget those meatballs for dinner!”
That explains a lot.
He has “facial fractures”. Doubt he’ll be okay by Monday.
Alek Manoah continues his atrocious season and now has chosen to rope in another player out of frustration. Despicable conduct and worthy of a full investigation.
Do you really believe the crap you are saying. Just Watching Manoahs reaction after shows it was 100% not intentional. Both teams clearly knew that. You obviously either weren’t watching, have no clue, or are just trying to stir the pot. It was an unfortunate pitch that got away from a struggling pitcher. Nothing more
Out of all the takes out there, this one certainly exists.
Surely you’re not suggesting he drilled Ward intentionally??? Agree that Manoah has had an atrocious season and his rap does not match up with his record. He talked smack about Cole and he’s been left in Cole’s vapor trail. Needs to lose a minimum of 30 lbs before next season or he’s gonna be another dude who ate his way out of a career…consigned to the ash heap of MLB history.
Food is definitely an issue for him. He needs to address the addiction or more will be affected than his career.
The bases were loaded in 0-0 game are you insane? And you think this is intentional? What is actually wrong with you
Wow. I cannot believe there’s people on here thinking Manoah is intentionally hitting batters for absolutely no reason.
Or that Ward will be fine Monday?
Muted both..
Don’t even respond.
Not dealing with a full deck there
I don’t believe he hit Ward on purpose, but it’s not as if he deserves the benefit of the doubt.
I don’t think it was intentional, but if he is hitting a lot of people he needs to go back to the minors and figure it out. He is dangerous
Unfortunately this event may lead to the end of each player’s season. This could really mess with Manoah mentally and I don’t think he’s been all there this year. Ward has been a big part of why the Angels have been hanging in there and it’s tough to see him taken out like that. Wishing him a full and speedy recovery.
Too bad Manoah’s pitches aren’t as consistently around home plate as his fork is with the supper plate.
Oh wow good one.
Alek Manoah should be immediately be suspended and remain so for the full duration of time that Taylor Ward is unable to perform. In addition, the Blue Jays organization should reimburse the Angel’s organization for the salary of Taylor Ward for the length of time that Ward is unable to fully perform at a MLB caliber level. Alek Manoah in particular, and perhaps for other MLB pitchers prone to hitting batters should be forced to participate in a program of gaining control of pitched balls (AFTER they have served their suspension) to minimize their tendency to hit batters with pitched balls.
CURRENTLY
The Angels lose Taylor Ward for an extended period of time but still have to pay him.
Taylor Ward, as a result of being hit in the face by a pitched ball, may never be the sameand this incident could well lead to a premature end to Ward’s MLB career.
Alek (The Hit Batter) Manoah suffers NO CONSEQUENCES..
The Toronto Blue Jays Organization suffers NO CONSEQUENCES.
It is well past the time for MLB to take action on two fronts:
1). End the injustice of only one team, the team that has lost the services of an injured player, sustaining a penalty. The aged, antiquated, opinion that both the pitcher and his team can get by with, “OOPS, S-O-R-R-Y,; Well it’s just part of the game” needs to change.
BOTH THE PITCHER AND HIS TEAM NEED TO BE PENALIZED
2). MLB needs to take steps to minimize the occurrence of HBP.
Research a substance for pitchers or baseballs to ensure better control.
Penalize batters that obscure the lines of the batter’s box.
Consider an adjustment in the orientation of the batter’s box.
Penalize batters when any part of their body extends over the imaginary line that extends upward from the drawn boundary of the batters box.
Be open to suggestions of any other methods to minimize the occurrence of HBP.
Time to act is now.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Every time a batter is hit by a pitched ball, there is the possibility of injury as well as the possibility that an MLB career could prematurely end.
lol if this is satire it’s pretty good
Decaf perhaps???
I heard the Angels have a fan….is that you
I’m going to go out on a limb and guess you are an Angels fan?!
All these impact injuries and still hanging around at the deadline. Any other year they’d already be 20 games under .500 and making vacation plans. Credit where credit is due
That’s because 1/2 the Astros rotation has been on the shelf, Alvarez has missed half the year, Altuve has missed a month or more, then the Rangers have a garbage rotation, and most importantly, there is less in division games!
Thank_God_We_Arent_Angels? Props! That has to be the most rent-free name I’ve seen on here!
Grichuk was drafted by the Angels; maybe a reunion is in order. They must have a decent but non-elite pitching prospect in A-ball they could send to the Rockies. Or a pretty good prospect if the Rockies add Brad Hand to the package.
something something drafted a spot before Trout
This would be a golden opportunity for Jo Adell but I believe he’s injured himself.
Nailed it.
A sinker up by his face?
That’s a really, really, really, really, really, really, really bad sinker.
Only way Jays would win is hurting our players. Look how many batters they hit in the series or almost hit too
They won’t do it, but they could cover this injury by putting Ohtani in the OF when he isn’t pitching, just until Trout gets back. And pick up somebody like CJ Cron to DH.
The mismanagement of the Angels and their lack of a long term sustainable plan is criminal. With Ward out they are still going to be buyers? Great, now after Ohtani leaves we will have nothing left in the minors..
That same scary thing happened to Ryan Yarborough with the Royals and he’s back off the 60 DAY IL list now and he just won a game against the Twins today
I sorta knew he would be on a longer term IL than 10-day IL Charlie Culberson suffered almost same type of injury with the Braves, and he was out for a while. So 60 day is more reasonable than 10-day.
Retreads
See what happens when you don’t come to the games, Gwen?!
60 Day? DAMN!!!!
How bout a bigger boat